Chris Houston | Defensive Back

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Panthers signed CB Chris Houston, formerly of the Lions.

Houston, 30, spent 2014 out of football while recovering from a severe toe surgery. Once an effective starting press corner in Detroit, Houston is worth a no-risk flier for the Panthers, who appear likely to start 34-year-old Peanut Tillman across from Josh Norman this season, with Bene Benwikere in the slot. Jun 15 - 4:39 PM

Free agent CB Chris Houston says he had the "same [toe] surgery I just had" as a high school senior.

It cost Houston a scholarship to Texas, so he went to Arkansas. The Detroit Free Press reported after Houston's release that the Lions believe he has a degenerative condition and may never be the same. Speaking this week, Houston called the release a "mutual" decision. (We doubt it, considering Houston forfeited a chance at about $15 million.) He hopes to be cleared by August or September. Wed, Jun 25, 2014 11:24:00 AM

The Detroit Free Press reports the Lions had "legitimate concerns" about whether free agent CB Chris Houston (toe surgery) would ever return to form before releasing him on Friday.

Houston underwent "major" toe surgery in May -- his second operation of the offseason -- and reportedly has a degenerative condition in the foot. Per beat writer Dave Birkett, the Lions fear "Houston's career was essentially over." Houston's agent predictably stated Friday that Houston should "make a full recovery" and play football in 2014. The rest of the NFL will determine that. Fri, Jun 13, 2014 04:33:00 PM

Houston isn't an elite corner, but he's a seven-year starter who manned LCB in Detroit each of the past four seasons, and was given a new five-year, $25 million deal last March. The Lions will move forward with Rashean Mathis, Darius Slay, and Bill Bentley likely occupying their top three cornerback jobs. Houston, 29, had the worst year of his career in 2013, and underwent offseason toe surgery. We suspect he'll get a shot in another camp, but not before he gets healthy. Houston has been injury plagued several years running. Per OverTheCap.com, the Lions save $1.5 million in cash by cutting Houston, but lose $400,000 in cap space. $2 million of Houston's $3.5 million salary was guaranteed. Fri, Jun 13, 2014 02:47:00 PM

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Free agent CB Chris Houston says he had the "same [toe] surgery I just had" as a high school senior.

It cost Houston a scholarship to Texas, so he went to Arkansas. The Detroit Free Press reported after Houston's release that the Lions believe he has a degenerative condition and may never be the same. Speaking this week, Houston called the release a "mutual" decision. (We doubt it, considering Houston forfeited a chance at about $15 million.) He hopes to be cleared by August or September.

The Detroit Free Press reports the Lions had "legitimate concerns" about whether free agent CB Chris Houston (toe surgery) would ever return to form before releasing him on Friday.

Houston underwent "major" toe surgery in May -- his second operation of the offseason -- and reportedly has a degenerative condition in the foot. Per beat writer Dave Birkett, the Lions fear "Houston's career was essentially over." Houston's agent predictably stated Friday that Houston should "make a full recovery" and play football in 2014. The rest of the NFL will determine that.

Houston isn't an elite corner, but he's a seven-year starter who manned LCB in Detroit each of the past four seasons, and was given a new five-year, $25 million deal last March. The Lions will move forward with Rashean Mathis, Darius Slay, and Bill Bentley likely occupying their top three cornerback jobs. Houston, 29, had the worst year of his career in 2013, and underwent offseason toe surgery. We suspect he'll get a shot in another camp, but not before he gets healthy. Houston has been injury plagued several years running. Per OverTheCap.com, the Lions save $1.5 million in cash by cutting Houston, but lose $400,000 in cap space. $2 million of Houston's $3.5 million salary was guaranteed.

Houston underwent toe surgery this week and has no timetable to return. The Lions would absorb $5.2 million in dead money by releasing Houston, so his roster spot is safe despite coming off a down season and multiple injuries. Darius Slay and fourth-round pick Nevin Lawson will get an extended look opposite Rashean Mathis.

Houston posted an Instagram picture that showed him in a hospital bed. His father confirmed Houston indeed had the toe operated on "and everything went great." Houston has been battling a toe problem since late last season and missed pre-draft voluntary workouts. The Lions failed to address their corner need until the fourth round of the draft. Houston's camp status is up in the air.

Lions GM Martin Mayhew said Monday LCB Chris Houston is "still dealing with a medical issue" from last year, and may need surgery.

Houston sat out pre-draft voluntary workouts with a toe injury. He's also battled leg, hamstring, foot, and shoulder problems in recent years. Per the website Over the Cap, the Lions would gain zero salary cap relief by cutting Houston. They'd actually absorb a $400,000 penalty. Houston's roster spot should be safe, but he's likely to face competition for his starting job in training camp.

"Time will tell," Caldwell said. Going on 30, Houston's 2013 was marred by injury and inconsistency. He missed this week's voluntary workouts as he continued to recover from the toe ailment that sidelined him in December. Houston remains penciled into the Lions' starting lineup, but last season was ominous. Age is rarely kind to cornerbacks.

It's notable because Houston was sidelined by his toe last December. Houston ended up appearing in only 12 games last season as he battled toe, leg, hamstring and foot issues. Going on 30, Houston remains locked in as a starter, but is coming off the worst year of his career. He needs a healthy training camp.

Mayhew has no other choice after handing Houston a five-year, $25 million deal last March. Houston followed it up with his worst season. He battled leg, hamstring, foot and toe injuries throughout the season and was benched at one point. Houston recorded just nine pass breakups and two interceptions, while grading out as Pro Football Focus' No. 96 corner out of 110 qualifiers. Cornerback is right next to wide receiver at the top of Mayhew's needs list.

Houston, the Lions' top corner, missed the Monday night loss to the Ravens. He'll likely end up limited Wednesday, but appears to have a good shot at returning against the Giants. It's not great news for Hakeem Nicks and Rueben Randle.

Houston didn't practice at all this week. With Darius Slay (knee, doubtful) also sidelined, the Lions are down to just four healthy cornerbacks. Jonte Green will start opposite Rashean Mathis if Houston is held out, with Bill Bentley playing in nickel packages.

Lions CB Chris Houston (foot) is considered questionable for Sunday's game against the Eagles.

Houston sat out the Thanksgiving win over the Packers after hurting his foot against the Bucs in Week 12. He's going to test out the injury at practice this week before a determination is made. If Darius Slay has to start again, it's a boost for Nick Foles and the Eagles' red-hot passing game.

Lions CB Chris Houston (foot) is listed as doubtful for Thursday's Week 13 game against the Packers.

Houston is Detroit's top corner. He's not going to play. Rookie Darius Slay, who has struggled and been benched numerous times this season, will fill in opposite Rashean Mathis. It's a positive development for Matt Flynn, who will be a middling QB2, and the entire Green Bay receiving corps.

Houston underwent an MRI on Monday, and was in a boot on Tuesday. He's in serious danger of missing the Thanksgiving game after injuring his foot against the Bucs in Week 12. It thins out a Lions secondary that is already struggling to put up any kind of resistance against opposing passing games. Jordy Nelson, James Jones and Jarrett Boykin are all viable fantasy options to varying degrees even with Matt Flynn expected to start.

Williams underwent a minor procedure in June and is expected back for the second week of camp. It's a note for preseason DFS players to file away. Williams, a former college basketball player and athletic freak, logged a heavy 58 snaps in last year's exhibition opener and produced 3-50-1. Be sure he's healthy before using him this year.